Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL), a leading global character-based entertainment licensing company, announced today that Ames Kirshen has been appointed as Manager Of Game Development, a new position at Marvel. Mr. Kirshen, who has over six years of experience in the production and management of video game projects, will lead a small group to oversee the development of all licensed video games based on Marvel characters, including the creative content, along with other members of Marvel's Publishing division.

Mr. Kirshen will report to Gui Karyo, Marvel's President of Publishing, who will supervise the overall game development process. Mr. Kirshen will also work closely with Tim Rothwell, Marvel's President of Worldwide Consumer Products, to foster new licensing relationships with video game publishers. Revenues from video game licensing will continue to be reported within the licensing division.

More than five Marvel character-branded video games will be released between now and December 2005 through existing video game license agreements with Activision, Encore, Universal Games and THQ. Mr. Kirshen will be responsible for overseeing the full Marvel video game development slate including the final production of the highly anticipated Spider-Man Movie II game and ongoing production of the Fantastic Four video game, both of which are being developed by Activision. In addition, he will lead the effort in exploring new opportunities in game genres where Marvel is currently either not represented or is under represented.

"The multi-billion dollar video game industry continues to be a significant revenue opportunity for Marvel and a high-profile, powerful vehicle to build the awareness of Marvel's brands," said Gui Karyo, Marvel's President of Publishing. "Our appointment of Ames to serve as an in-house Executive Producer and creative liaison for our interactive licensees and game developers allows us to increase the quality, playability and marketing power of this influential product category, fueling higher licensing income and consumer exposure for Marvel."

Prior to joining Marvel, Ames Kirshen spent the past six years with Warner Bros. and DC Comics where he helped produce major game titles such as Ubi Soft's "Batman: Vengeance" and "Batman: Rise Of Sin Tzu" and Atari's "Superman: Shadow Of Apokolips".

About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is a leading global character-based entertainment licensing company that has developed and owns a library of over 4,700 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel's operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel's creative teams at its Marvel Studios, Marvel Comics and Toy Biz divisions support the development of feature films (and DVD/video), video games, TV series and toy lines based on its characters. Marvel also licenses its characters for use in a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, food and promotions. Marvel Comics is a leading global comics publisher and an invaluable source of intellectual property; Marvel Studios works with studios to develop feature film and entertainment projects; and Toy Biz is a recognized leader in toy design, sales and marketing that develops and oversees both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com .

Except for any historical information that they contain, the statements in this news release regarding Marvel's plans are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including a decrease in the level of media exposure or popularity of Marvel's characters, financial difficulties of Marvel's licensees, changing consumer preferences, movie-and television-production delays and cancellations, toy-production delays or shortfalls, continued concentration of toy retailers, toy inventory risk, the imposition of quotas or tariffs on products manufactured in China and a decrease in cash flow even as Marvel remains indebted to its noteholders. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in Marvel's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Marvel's Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Posted By: Adam Paoli - 211 Reads

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December 26, 2004